Neymar should have been taken off earlier in Brazil’s opening game against Serbia, according to Brazilian National coach Tite. He realises this, who regrets that he did not intervene sooner.
Neymar is in a race against time because of the damage to his right ankle . It is unclear when the 30-year-old attacker can return to action. The star player seems to miss the remainder of the group stage anyway. During his press conference on Sunday, Tite expressed the expectation that Neymar can still play this tournament, although he also did not want to take the doctor’s seat.
“I am convinced that Neymar can still play this World Cup, just like Danilo. That is my belief. The medical reports give me hope. They are busy with the physiotherapists, sometimes until late at night,” said Tite.
Brazilian National coach Tite admits he was not aware of Neymar’s injury
Brazilian National coach Tite was remarkably critical of his own actions. Tite felt that he should have intervened earlier after the duel between Neymar and Nikola Milenkovic, in which things went wrong for the dribbler. Tite: “I didn’t realise he was injured. Otherwise I would have replaced it sooner. He returned to the field and was involved in a dangerous moment. I blame myself. It was a mistake on my part. I should have been more careful and I’m sorry.”
Marquinhos also joined during the press moment. The Paris Saint-Germain defender told how Neymar has massive support within the Brazilian camp, where the eye-catcher has been cheered by teammates. “Mentally he’s okay. He remains hopeful,” said Marquinhos, the day before the second group match against Switzerland.
“The pride and love I feel wearing this shirt is indescribable,” Neymar broke silence in his post. “If God gave me the chance to choose where to be born, it would be Brazil. Nothing in life has come naturally to me, I have always had to chase my dreams and goals. I wish no harm to anyone and help people who need it.”
“I am going through one of the toughest moments of my career right now, I have an injury, yes, it’s annoying, it hurts. But I’m sure I’ll be back, I want to do everything to help my country, my teammates and myself. Am I going to allow the enemy to take me down? NEVER! I am a child of the god who can achieve the impossible and my faith is endless,” Neymar concluded.
The Brazilians can already secure qualification to the round of 16 on Monday by beating Switzerland.
